With the application phase for the Rio 2016 Volunteer Programme in the final straight, thousands of people from around the world have already applied to be part of the first Olympic and Paralympic Games to be staged in South America. One of them is Brazilian actress Elea Mercúrio, who went beyond simply registering for the programme – she recorded a song to express her excitement and inspire others to sign up. The tongue-in-cheek ‘baião-funk’ track has been turned into a music video (see below) with the help of the Rio 2016 Organising Committee.

“Sports encourages youngsters to choose a healthy lifestyle and pastimes instead of so many other less desirable activities,” said the 31-year-old, who has appeared in Brazilian soap operas O Rebu and Avenida Brasil and as a presenter on Brazilian MTV.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a great window for sports and that’s why I decided to make this commitment. I want to be part of this historic event in Brazil, an event that probably will not be repeated in my lifetime.”

The term ‘baião-funk’ refers to a mix of two genres of Brazilian music: ‘baião’ is traditional style of music from the North East of Brazil that uses rhyming lyrics, while ‘funk carioca’ (pronounced “funky carioca”) is a modern, hip-hop influenced genre that was born in Rio de Janeiro’s ‘favela’ communities.

In the video, Mercúrio and actor Lucas Lautert, who also appeared on a voluntary basis, portray 18 different characters as they send the message that everybody is welcome to volunteer at the Rio 2016 Games.

The actress said that the central character is a “simple guy, a dreamer, who in the course of his volunteering comes across all types of people and warmly embraces everyone in that very Brazilian way. He is charming and good, does not prejudge people and goes with how he feels.”

Mercúrio, who has applied for a photographer’s role during the Games, was inspired to write the song after taking part in an event to mark two years until the Paralympic Games in Rio in September. “There I saw the volunteers in action,” she said. “They were so happy that I thought people need to know about this, to know what it’s like.”

“This is an opportunity to participate in something I believe in. The arts and sports have the potential to transform society.”

Lautert, who has also applied to be a Rio 2016 volunteer, said: “It’s impossible to not be excited. Just being with the volunteers, you feel the energy of the Games. Just imagine on the day it begins!”

To apply to be a Rio 2016 volunteer, you must be 18 years of age by February 2016 and available to work during the Games. Sign up here.